Arrive in Seattle for the start of your Pacific Coast self-drive.

Seattle is known as the “Emerald City” because of the green hue of the waters that surround it. Downtown Seattle is home to many excellent restaurants, and you have two nights here to enjoy the city.

Graduate Hotel or similar

Spend your day exploring the sights and sounds of Seattle, one of the most popular stops on any Pacific Coast road trip itinerary. Immerse yourself in daily life with a stroll through Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers’ markets in the US, where fresh seafood and local crafts abound, and don’t miss the original Starbucks store, just a short walk from the market entrance.

Visit the iconic Space Needle for panoramic views across the waterfront, explore the diverse exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture, and discover the glass sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass. For one of the best views in the city, head to Kerry Park, where the Seattle skyline sits framed against Mount Rainier on a clear day. If time allows, wander through the historic streets of Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighbourhood, or take in the sea views from Olympic Sculpture Park.

Graduate Hotel or similar

Collect your hire car and head out of the city towards the picturesque Oregon coastline. For those looking for a longer, more scenic route, consider a detour to Mount Rainier National Park along the way, adding extra driving time in exchange for some truly spectacular mountain scenery.

Mount Rainier National Park is home to the tallest volcano in the contiguous United States, standing at over 14,000 feet, and offers visitors the chance to explore ancient forests, alpine meadows, and glacial features amid pristine wilderness.

Continue to the seaside town of Astoria, the setting for the 1980s film “The Goonies” and one of the oldest American settlements west of the Rockies. The Astoria Column offers panoramic views over the Columbia River, and the picturesque Riverwalk is lined with shops and eateries, a pleasant spot to stretch your legs after the drive.

Seattle > Astoria | 190 miles

Bowline Hotel or Similar

From Astoria, follow the Columbia River inland to the city of Portland.

Known as the “City of Roses,” Portland is a big city that retains many small town charms. You can explore eclectic neighbourhoods like the Pearl District and Hawthorne, where you’ll find unique shops, galleries, and cafés. Oregon has no sales tax, making Portland a particularly good stop for shopping, with everything from high street favourites to independent boutiques.

You may also like to visit some of Portland’s landmarks, such as Powell’s City of Books, one of the largest independent bookstores in the world, and the International Rose Test Garden, home to thousands of roses in bloom across more than 600 varieties.

Portland is renowned for its food scene, which you can experience by sampling local cuisine at food carts, farmers’ markets, and trendy restaurants. Seek out one of the city’s famous food cart pods, clusters of dozens of independent vendors serving everything from Thai street food to artisan doughnuts, for a true taste of Portland’s culinary creativity. For something sweet, Voodoo Doughnut is a Portland institution well worth a visit, known for its quirky, oversized creations.

Astoria > Portland | 99 miles

The Hotel Zags or similar

From Portland, follow the scenic Columbia River Gorge along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Along the way, stop at a series of impressive waterfalls, including Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Wahkeena Falls, before reaching Multnomah Falls, one of Oregon’s most iconic waterfalls and, at 620 feet, the tallest year round waterfall in the state.

After taking in the stunning views and perhaps hiking to the upper viewing platform, continue on to the town of Hood River for lunch at one of its charming cafés or restaurants. Along the way, it’s well worth calling in at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum to learn more about the region’s history, geology, and natural beauty.

Portland > Columbia River Gorge | 65 miles approximately

The Hotel Zags or similar

The road trip continues today towards Newport and Florence, by way of Seaside and Cannon Beach.

Seaside lies at the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail, where the two explorers reached the Pacific Ocean in 1805 after their long journey west. A monument celebrating the discovery stands at the circular loop drive where Broadway Street ends and the stairway down to the beachfront begins. Along the promenade, a two-mile-long boardwalk, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy.

Just a few miles further, you will encounter Cannon Beach, recognised by its well-known landmark, Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack and one of the most photographed natural landmarks on the Oregon coast. After a break here, continue to Newport, where the picturesque Yaquina Head Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in Oregon, welcomes you.

Continue south to Florence, home to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a dramatic stretch of towering sand dunes running for over 40 miles along the coastline, some reaching heights of 500 feet. It’s a popular spot for sandboarding and dune buggy tours, as well as simply admiring the scale of the landscape at sunset.

Portland > Florence | 172 miles

Best Western Pier Point Inn, Florence, or similar

Start today’s journey by admiring the rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs as you drive along Highway 101. Consider stopping at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, where you can hike trails with stunning ocean views and visit the Devil’s Churn, a natural formation where waves crash against the rocks.

As you cross into California, be sure to stop at Redwood National and State Parks, home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, including Hyperion, the tallest known tree in the world at over 380 feet.

Florence > Klamath | 202 miles

Holiday Inn Express Klamath or similar

Begin today by visiting the Klamath River Overlook for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of the Klamath River. As you continue southward, consider stopping at the Trees of Mystery, a unique attraction featuring towering redwoods and a gondola ride through the forest canopy.

Next, make a detour to explore the charming town of Trinidad, known for its scenic harbour and beautiful beaches. Take a stroll along Trinidad State Beach, or hike the Trinidad Head Trail for panoramic views of the coastline.

Continue south along Highway 101, and consider stopping at Patrick’s Point State Park, where you can hike scenic trails, explore tide pools, and visit Wedding Rock for sweeping ocean views. Further south, take a leisurely drive along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to some of the tallest and oldest coast redwoods still standing, some over 350 feet tall and more than 2,000 years old.

Further south, the route joins Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, as you approach Fort Bragg; marvel at the rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs along the way. Be sure to visit Glass Beach, a unique beach covered in colourful sea glass, a result of years of glass dumping in the early twentieth century that has since been smoothed by the tide. Take some time to explore the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, or browse the shops and art galleries in downtown Fort Bragg.

Continue further into California by exploring Mendocino, a picturesque coastal town known for its Victorian architecture, art galleries, and stunning coastal views. Mendocino’s headlands were designated a state park specifically to preserve the town’s dramatic bluffs from development, so it’s well worth taking a stroll along the Mendocino Headlands State Park trails, or visiting the Point Cabrillo Light Station, one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Northern California coast.

Continue southward along Highway 1 and enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged coastline as you drive through the quaint towns of Elk and Gualala. Consider stopping at Salt Point State Park to hike scenic trails, explore tide pools, or enjoy a picnic overlooking the ocean.

As you reach Sonoma County, consider a detour to explore the charming town of Healdsburg, known for its wine tasting rooms, boutique shops, and farm-to-table dining experiences. Take some time to explore the historic Healdsburg Plaza, or visit a nearby winery to sample award-winning wines from the Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley appellations.

Finally, arrive in Napa Valley, one of the most famous wine regions in the world and home to over 400 wineries. Consider taking a wine tour or visiting one of the many wineries in the area to taste exquisite wines and enjoy beautiful vineyard views. Don’t miss the opportunity to dine at one of Napa Valley’s fine restaurants, or explore downtown Napa’s vibrant culinary scene.

Fort Bragg > Napa Valley | 135 miles

Hilton Garden Inn Napa or similar

Continuing further south, you will soon spot the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you will pass Muir Woods National Monument and Sausalito, a picturesque town located at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a nice place to stop and take a break before making your way into San Francisco.

After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to wander the colourful waterfront.

You’ll also have a full day free to discover the many sights and sounds of San Francisco at your own pace. Perhaps take a cable car ride from Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square, one of the last manually operated cable car systems left in the world, or visit the famous Alcatraz Island, once home to some of America’s most notorious inmates.

In the evening, dine in one of San Francisco’s many distinctive neighbourhoods, from Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns outside Asia, to the Italian-flavoured North Beach, each offering its own distinctive culture and cuisine.

Optional Experience: San Francisco Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
See San Francisco from the top of an authentic English double-decker bus on this fully narrated sightseeing tour. Enjoy the city lights and skyline on the Night Loop.

Optional Experience: Alcatraz Island Tour
Welcome to Alcatraz, once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals. Delve into the island’s remarkable history on this essential tour.

Napa Valley > San Francisco | 69 miles

The Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel or similar

Bid farewell to the “City by the Bay” and head to the airport for your flight to the UK, or choose to extend your stay in San Francisco to discover more of this wonderful city.

San Francisco > Airport | 13 miles